Definition

Noun: A cavity wall is a type of wall construction consisting of two separate layers (or "skins") of masonry, typically brick or block, with a continuous air gap (the cavity) between them. This design provides improved thermal insulation and moisture protection compared to a solid wall.

Usage

The term is used primarily in the context of construction, architecture, and building maintenance. It describes a specific structural feature of a building's envelope. - The architect specified a cavity wall for better energy efficiency. - During the renovation, they discovered that the cavity wall had been improperly insulated.

Advanced Usage

• "To fill/treat a cavity wall": Refers to the process of adding insulation material into the air space of the wall.
  • We decided to fill the cavity wall with mineral wool to reduce heating costs.
• "Cavity wall tie": A specific component (a tie or wall tie) used to structurally connect the two layers of masonry across the cavity.
  • The survey revealed corrosion in the original cavity wall ties.

Variants and Related Words

• Cavity: (Noun) The empty space or hollow area itself. In construction, it specifically refers to the gap within a cavity wall.
• Solid wall: (Noun) A wall built as a single, continuous layer of masonry, which contrasts with a cavity wall.
• Masonry: (Noun) The building of structures from individual units (like bricks or concrete blocks) bound together by mortar.

Synonyms

• Double-leaf wall: A less common technical synonym.
• Hollow wall: A more general, descriptive term.

Antonyms

• Solid wall: A wall constructed from a single, continuous thickness of material without a deliberate air gap.

Related Phrases/Concepts

• Cavity wall insulation: The material or the act of installing material within the cavity to improve thermal performance.
  • Government grants are available for cavity wall insulation.
• Cavity barrier: A component (like a block of material) installed within the cavity to prevent the spread of fire or smoke.
  • Building regulations require cavity barriers at specific intervals.

Noun

1. a wall formed of two thicknesses of masonry with a space between them